Warner: Alleged ball-tampering didn't impact Hobart Test

Australia were outplayed by South Africa in the second Test, with batsman David Warner dismissing suggestions alleged ball-tampering influenced the result in Hobart.

The Proteas won by a mammoth innings and 80 runs last week as they claimed an unassailable 2-0 series lead but the fallout has centred on South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and accusations of ball tampering.

Du Plessis is set for a hearing in Adelaide on Tuesday after the ICC opted to take action, with the world cricket's governing body saying: "TV footage appeared to show Du Plessis applying saliva and residue from a mint or sweet, an artificial substance, to the ball in an attempt to change its condition".

As the embattled Australians lock horns again with South Africa in the third and final Test at the Adelaide Oval, starting Thursday, Warner stressed the Proteas were just simply too good at Bellerive.

"At the end of the day we've been outplayed, out-bowled, out-batted, out-fielded in this game," Warner told reporters on Tuesday.

"Whether or not he [du Plessis] was putting anything on the ball it's irrelevant.

"[But] the rules are in place for a reason, and if you're not going to use them then why bother having them.

"That's just the fortunate thing these days, they've got the rules and they're going to stand by their decisions. I think that's a good thing.

"We've all been on the back end of them from time to time and now that they're cracking down on it, especially with the points system [that players accumulate for breaching the Code of Conduct].

"We, as players, know the guidelines now so if you're going to overstep that mark and get fined be prepared to miss Test matches as well."